Luke Bryan and John Foster Join Forces For Randy Travis Duet On ‘American Idol’ Finale

American Idol season 23 came to a close on Sunday, May 18 with an epic, star-studded finale that found Jamal Roberts being crowned the newest American Idol. 

Before his winning moment, viewers enjoyed a slew of performances from an array of special guests, including Jessica Simpson, Jelly Roll, Good Charlotte, the Goo Goo Dolls, The War and Treaty, and more. The American Idol judges, Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, and Lionel Richie, also had the chance to perform during the grand finale. 

For his performance, Luke Bryan took the stage to deliver a performance of his latest single, “Country Song Came On.” The audience, including Carrie Underwood, could be seen nodding their heads along to the addictive melody. After wrapping up that tune, Bryan welcomed fan-favorite and American Idol runner-up, John Foster to join him in performing a country classic. 

Together, the artists performed Randy Travis’ 1988 hit, “Deeper Than The Holler.” The song was the second single from Travis’ album, Old 8×10, and became his eighth No.1 single. The artists traded verses and had fans singing along from their seats. 

“How ‘bout ‘em?,” Bryan proudly shouted following the performance. “John Foster, y’all!”  

Foster closed out the season placing second to Jamal Roberts. Following the show, Foster took to social media to showcase his gratitude to everyone who has supported him throughout his Idol journey. 

“Man, what a true blessing to share this Idol stage with so many incredible heroes, both new faces and legends,” he wrote. “I’m beyond thankful, and I can’t wait to keep making music for y’all as long as the good Lord lets me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart – times a million.” 

The Louisiana native had an incredible run on the show, which often found him showcasing performances of country classics. Recently, he performed Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe,” and he previously delivered renditions of songs like “I Told You So” by Randy Travis, “Neon Moon” by Brooks & Dunn, “I Cross My Heart” by George Strait, and more. 

Earlier in the season, Foster found himself caught up in a web of Facebook rumors and misinformation, so he took to the internet to clear the air. In this message, he clarified that he is just 18 years old, not 24, as many were claiming, and that despite what was written about him on the internet, he is a native of Addis, Louisiana, not Benton, Kentucky.  

He also clarified that he has no relation to country legend Dwight Yoakam and is not currently signed to Sugar Hill Records or any other label.

“There was some misinformation that Dwight Yoakam signed me under Sugar Hill Records,” he wrote, once again clearing the air surrounding all of the rumors. 

Now that his run on American Idol has ended, only time will tell what John Foster does next. With a growing fan base, undeniable talent the possibilities are endless for the young star.